Method of displaying product and service performance data

ABSTRACT

An entertaining and informative method of displaying competitive product performance data is disclosed. The various embodiments include a method for displaying product performance data by use of animated contests between animated representatives of competing products. The contest results are relative to selected product test results. The relationship between the test results and the contest results is a mathematical approximation. Thus, a gross disparity in the displayed animated contest is indicative of a gross disparity in the performance of the products on the test. Likewise, a closely fought contest in the displayed animated contest is indicative of close performance of the products on the test.

RELATED ART

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No.60/441,101 filed Jan. 17, 2003.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the area of data display formats andmore particularly to the area of product and service testing and displayof performance data. Still more particularly, the present inventionrelates to display of competitive product and service performance dataand physical properties or characteristics using normalized data andgraphical animation to display data such as test results, cost, andphysical properties in an entertaining and informative manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Testing and comparing products and services is an important socialfunction that has been performed most exceptionally by consumerprotection groups, and most notably by Consumer Union of U.S., Inc.(101v Truman Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y.) which publishes Consumer Reports®and The Buying Guide®. These publications have historically displayedthe overall results of scientific testing of products in the form ofhorizontal histograms having an “Overall Score” with scale increments of“P” for “Poor,” “F” for “Fair,” “G” for “Good,” “VG” for “Very Good,”and “E” for “Excellent.” This rating is based on a relative measurementto some standard established by Consumer Union. The standard is notimmediately obvious, since the best product is not always rated asexcellent, and the worst product is not always rated as poor.

In addition to the overall results displayed in histograms, ConsumerReports® and The Buying Guide®, the results of specific categoricaltests are displayed in the form of shaded circles. A circle havinghorizontal bars covering the entire area of the circle represents“Excellent” performance. A circle having one-half of its surface coveredby horizontal bars represents “Very Good” performance. A clear circlerepresents “Good” performance. A circle having one-half of its surfaceblackened represents “Fair” performance. A circle that is entirelyblackened represents “Poor” performance.

While the above-described means of displaying performance are adequatefor printed media, they are not very entertaining when viewed in anelectronic format. They fail to take advantage of available technologythat has been used to make other forms of education entertaining.Offering entertaining forms of education has been shown to benefit thestudents by making them interested in learning, and improving theirability to retain the information learned.

Commercials that make televised comparisons of products are well knownand have been around for years. For example, taste testing of carbonatedbeverages such as Coca-Cola® and Pepsi® show actors selecting thesponsors' beverage in a blind taste test. These commercials fail to showthe actors selecting the non-sponsored beverage, which nearly half ofthem do, and thus the commercial fails to communicate the statisticalreality of the results of the testing. The commercials attempt todisplay the actual test, but not necessarily any display of thestatistical results of multiple trials.

Other commercials have shown actors wiping up spills with a paper towelin which the paper towel self-destructs on contact with the spill. Whenthe sponsor's paper towel is used it absorbs the spill and still looksnew. These commercials also attempt to display the actual test, withoutdata acquisition, normalization, or alternative display of the results.

Other commercials utilize a format that is designed to suggest somelevel of scientific comparison of products. The most famous of these wasperhaps the one in which a gasoline had an additive that was proclaimedto substantially reduce pollution. A car was shown with a large plasticbag attached to the exhaust pipe filling up with black smoke, while menin lab coats with clipboards walked around taking notes. The same carwas then filled with the sponsor's gasoline and the bag attached to theexhaust pipe appeared to be full of fresh air. It was later discoveredthat the first bag was made of a colored plastic. Besidesmisrepresenting the facts, this commercial failed to show a truerelative performance of competing products that were scientificallytested, and instead suggested portrayal of an end result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art andintroduces a new concept, which integrates the principals of edutainmentinto one of infotainment. A primary advantage of the present inventionis that it applies, in all respects, to testing of either products orservices, and for the purpose of disclosure of the various embodimentsof the present invention, all references to testing of products includedherein are intended and understood to apply to a method of displayingservice performance data as well, and are not intended or understood tobe limited to a method of displaying the performance data of products.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it discloses a methodof displaying the results of performance testing of products in a mannerthat is entertaining. Another advantage of the present invention is thatit discloses a method of displaying the results of performance testingof products in a manner that is numerically relevant to the results ofthe test. Another advantage of the present invention is that itdiscloses a method of displaying the results of performance testing ofproducts in a manner that is unrelated to the nature of the productstested. Another advantage of the present invention is that it disclosesa method of displaying the results of performance testing of products ina manner that is unrelated to the nature of the test performed. Anotheradvantage of the present invention is that it permits modification ofthe display of the results to the logo or company colors of themanufacturer of the product. Another advantage of the present inventionis that it discloses a method of displaying the results of performancetesting of products in a video or graphically animated manner.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it discloses a methodof displaying the same results of a performance test of two or moreproducts in multiple formats. Another advantage of the present inventionis that it discloses a method of interactive comparison of selectableproducts and selectable tests. Another advantage of the presentinvention is that it discloses a method of displaying the results of aperformance test of multiple products. Another advantage of the presentinvention is that it discloses a method of displaying the results ofmultiple tests that can include products that are tested at a laterdate. Another advantage of the present invention is that it discloses amethod of displaying comparisons of product characteristics other thanperformance in a graphically animated manner.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment ofthe present invention is disclosed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of displayingproduct data is disclosed comprising the general steps of:

-   -   1. Determining a first product value representing a first        product's test performance;    -   2. Determining a second product value representing a second        product's test performance;    -   3. Solving for a contest value between the first product value        and the second product value; and,    -   4. Selecting an animation file to be displayed, using the        contest value.

An alternative embodiment includes the above steps with the additionalstep of:

-   -   5. Publishing the animation file on a web page for viewing by        Internet users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention will become more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description and appended claimswhen read in conjunction with the drawings and tables.

The drawings and tables constitute a part of this specification andinclude exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied invarious forms. It is to be understood that in some instances variousaspects of the invention may be shown by data or drawing exaggerated orenlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

TABLE 1 is a table of calculated contest value ranges and correspondinggraphic files.

TABLE 2 discloses an array relationship between subjective test resultsand corresponding graphic files.

TABLE 3 discloses an array relationship between product test results,calculated contest values, and indication of the best performingproduct.

TABLE 4 discloses an array relationship between a number of graphicfiles to choose from and calculated contest values where the number ofgraphic file choices exceeds the potential contest results.

TABLE 5 discloses an array relationship between calculated contestvalues and combat sequences, whereas the length of the battle depictsthe closeness of the battle.

TABLE 6 discloses example data for previously determined product valuesfor three products.

TABLE 7 discloses example data for newly determined product values fortwo additional products for the same test as the data in TABLE 6.

FIG. 1 is a diagram disclosing the steps of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of a graphical image display of the animatedrepresentatives of the type that might be used to represent two productswhose test performance data was to be compared. The diagram representsthe beginning of a combat sequence.

FIG. 3 is an example of a later in time graphical image display of thesame combat sequence shown in FIG. 2. In this display, the animatedrepresentative on the left represents the product that had the superiorperformance on the test.

FIG. 4 is an example of a still later in time graphical image display ofthe same combat sequence shown in FIG. 3. In this display, the animatedrepresentative on the left again represents the product that had thesuperior performance on the test.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondemonstrating a means for displaying a selected animation filerepresenting the contest results on the Internet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context ofa particular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of displayingproduct data is disclosed comprising the general steps of:

-   -   1. Determining a first product value representing a first        product's performance on at least one test;    -   2. Determining a second product value representing a second        product's performance on the same test(s);    -   3. Solving for a contest value between the first product value        and the second product value;    -   4. Selecting an animated contest file by relationship to the        contest value; and,    -   5. Providing a display means for displaying the animated        contest.        FIG. 1 is a simplified diagrammatic representation of these        steps.

In the first step of this embodiment, a first product value representinga first product's performance on a test is determined. The product valuecan be a singular result, or a statistical numerical representation of anumber of trials. For all purposes throughout this document, it isunderstood that a “test” can be, but is not limited to, a chemical,electrical, mechanical, or other measurement, observation or evaluationof the performance or physical properties or characteristics of aproduct, either subjective or objective.

In the second step of this embodiment, a second product valuerepresenting a second product's performance on the same test isdetermined. The unit of measure used is irrelevant, since the same testwill be used to measure the first and second products' performance.Again, the product value can be a singular result, or a statisticalnumerical representation of a number of trials.

In the third step of this embodiment, a contest value is determinedbetween the first product value and the second product value. A simplemethod for achieving this step is achieved by dividing the lower productvalue by the higher product value. The contest value is then a numberless than 1, unless the results are equal. If the results are equal, thecontest value will equal 1. In this manner, the contest value representsa performance ratio, or percentage of equality in performance betweenthe first product and the second product for the test or testsrepresented by the product values for the products. If a larger productvalue represents better product performance on the tests, then thelarger of the first product value and the second product value is thebest result. If a smaller product value represents better productperformance on the tests, then the smaller of the first product valueand the second product value is the best result.

For example, if the first product value is 23 units, and the secondproduct value is 33 units, then the contest value would be 23÷32=0.719or approximately 72%. If a larger product value represents betterproduct performance on the tests, then the first product value in thisexample is said to be only 72% as good as the second product value. If asmaller product value represents better product performance on thetests, then the second product value in this example is said to be only72% as good as the first product value.

In the fourth step of this embodiment, the contest value is used toselect a representative animation file to be displayed. The animationfile can be an animated graphic file, a video file, or other. In apreferred embodiment, a database is provided with a number “n” foranimated graphic files that depict different combat or athleticcompetition sequences between animated characters. A principaldifference between the animated sequences is the closeness of thecontest. In the case of combat sequences, for example, increasinglyhigher contest values are thus associated with increasingly closecombat, with the highest contest value (one) associated with a combativeimpasse. Each graphic file may thus be associated with a range ofcontest values. The size of the contest value range “r” is inverselyrelated to the number of graphic files available for selection. Forexample, where ten different graphic files are available:

-   -   n=animation files    -   r=range    -   r=1/n        -   n=10        -   r=0.10

Table 1 is a table example of an array relationship between contestvalues and associated graphic files, where n=10, and r=0.10.

TABLE 1 Contest Value Graphic File Animation 0.0-.1 A Very lopsidedcontest ↓ >.1-.2 B ↓ >.2-.3 C ↓ >.3-.4 D ↓ >.4-.5 E Increasingly closecontest ↓ >.5-.6 F ↓ >.6-.7 G ↓ >.7-.8 H ↓ >.8-.9 I Very closecontest >.9-1.0 J Impasse

As shown in Table 1, the contest value can be represented by a numericalrange for the purpose of selection of a graphic file for display. In theabove example, graphic file H would be selected, since the contest valueof 0.72 is within the contest value range of (>0.7-0.8). In thisembodiment, the contest value is determined on the basis of amathematical relationship between the first product value and the secondproduct value, and subsequent selection of a graphic file encompasses arange of contest values. In the above example, the number of possiblecontest results is infinite, and the number of animated graphic files islimited. As such, each graphic animation represents a range of contestvalues. For example, in Table 1, the same combat sequence would bedisplayed when the contest value was 0.79. When more graphic files areavailable to the array (n is greater), the range of the displayrepresentation is reduced (1/n is smaller), thus increasing the accuracyby which the, animation or video represents the contest value.

Since it is always known by the nature of the test which of a larger orsmaller product value represents better product performance on a test,this information is used to identify prevailing character in theanimation file. Thus, graphic file H depicts a combat sequence orathletic competition between animated characters in which the betterperforming product defeats the lower performing product in a contestthat is closer than the contest sequence depicted by graphic file G.

It will be understood and well-known by anyone skilled in the art thatthere are numerous equivalent methods for associating the contest valueto a representative graphic file, many of them statistically morecomplex. Nothing in any of these examples are intended to limit thescope of the claims, but are provided instead solely for the enablingpurpose of illustrating the principals of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the contest value is rounded to a selectednumber of significant digits related to the number of graphic filesavailable. Thus, the rounded contest value will always be associatedwith a graphic file. This is appropriate, since associating a range ofcontest values to one graphic file represents a rounding step wheneverthe range (inverse of the number of groups) is greater than theuncertainty of the test results. As an example of this embodiment:

-   -   Where the number of graphic files available is 10.    -   n=animation files    -   r=range    -   CV=contest value    -   s=significant digits in contest value result    -   CV_(s)=contest value rounded to s significant digits        -   n=10        -   r=0.1        -   s=1        -   CV=0.547789        -   CV_(s)=0.5

In another alternative embodiment, the number of available animationfiles exceeds the number of potential contest values. In thisembodiment, the test may have a greater uncertainty than the value ofthe available ranges, since the graphic file selection will be made fromless than all of the available graphic files. For example: if the testresult requires a subjective (visual) determination of the resistance tooxidation on iron chips after exposure to a metalworking fluid, thepossible results may be those found in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Subjective Result Product Visible Oxidation Test Value None 1Light 2 Medium 3 Heavy 4

In Table 2 above, a lower number represents a better result, since thatwould indicate that the product had inhibited the oxidation of the testspecimen.

Table 3 below includes the product test results from the above example,the contest values and indication of the best performing, or prevailingproduct. As a very simple example of a method of determining the contestvalue and prevailing product, the following steps may be used:

01 PV1 = Product Value 1 02 PV2 = Product Value 2 03 CV = Contest Value04 IF (PV1) = (PV2), CV = 1.0 05 IF (PV1) > (PV2), CV = [(PV2)/(PV1)] 06ELSE CV = [(PV1)/(PV2)]

TABLE 3 Product Product Con- Value 1 Value 2 test Best (PV1) (PV2)PV1/PV2 PV2/PV1 PV1 = PV2 Value Product 1 1 1.00 1.00 equal 1 2 0.500.50 P1 1 3 0.33 0.33 P1 1 4 0.25 0.25 P1 2 1 0.50 0.50 P2 2 2 1.00 1.00equal 2 3 0.67 0.67 P1 2 4 0.50 0.50 P1 3 1 0.33 0.33 P2 3 2 0.67 0.67P2 3 3 1.00 1.00 equal 3 4 0.75 0.75 P1 4 1 0.25 0.25 P2 4 2 0.50 0.50P2 4 3 0.75 0.75 P2 4 4 1.00 1.00 equal

From Table 3 above, it is seen that where two products are tested, withfour possible test results, there are only six possible distinct contestvalues. If there are ten (10) graphic files to choose from, the numberof animated graphic file choices exceeds the potential contest results.Table 4 discloses the six possible contest values for this example andthe associated graphic files.

TABLE 4 Graphic Contest Value Range File 0.0-.1 A >.1-.2 B .25 >.2-.3 C.33 >.3-.4 D >.4-.5 E .50 >.5-.6 F .67 >.6-.7 G .75 >.7-.8 H >.8-.9 I1.0 >.9-1.0 J

In another preferred embodiment, the length of the animated contest isrelated to the closeness of the contest. Using the example of a combatsequence, the closeness of the battle can be depicted by the length ofthe battle. This is seen in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Combat Time Contest Value Graphic File (seconds)    0-.1 A3 >.1-.2 B 6 >.2-.3 C 9 >.3-.4 D 12 >.4-.5 E 15 >.5-.6 F 18 >.6-.7 G21 >.7-.8 H 24 >.8-.9 I 27 >.9-1.0 J 30

In the example of this embodiment, combat time has an approximatelylinear relationship to the Contest Value defined by:Combat Time=Contest Value (range upper limit)×30

In this example, the combat sequence (i.e., wrestling, boxing, swordfight, gun fight, etc.) for graphic file G is 21 seconds long, whereasthe combat sequence for graphic file B lasts only 6 seconds. Likewise,graphic file G depicts a combat sequence that is less closely foughtthan the combat sequence depicted in the graphic file H. Preferably,graphic file J in the above example depicts a combat sequence that endsin a combative impasse. Using an athletic contest in this embodiment,such as a foot race, time can be used to distinguish between the finishtime of the winner and loser.

In another preferred embodiment, the length of the animated contest isrelated to the brutality of the contest. This is preferably used incombination with the variable length of the combat sequence. In thisembodiment, the graphic files comprise combat sequences that displayincreasing brutality as the contest value approaches zero. For example,if the contest value is as low as 0.1, the graphical representative ofthe superior performing product could move in quickly and behead ahapless competitor who is running for his life. In contrast, if thecontest value is as high as 0.9, the graphic file would display aclosely fought contest in which the winner only prevails near the veryend of the time allotted for the match.

FIG. 2 discloses an example of the beginning of an animated graphicaldisplay of a product performance comparison represented by combat. FIG.3 discloses an example of the progress of the match in which theanimated representative on the left represents the product with thesuperior test results. FIG. 4 is an example of a still later in timegraphical image display of the same combat sequence shown in FIG. 2 andFIG. 3. In this display, the animated representative on the left againrepresents the product that had the superior performance on the test.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondemonstrating a means for displaying an animation file selected torepresent the contest results between products or services. In anotherembodiment, a monitor electrically connected to a computer constitutes ameans for displaying the animation file selected to represent thecontest result.

In another preferred embodiment, a legend is displayed identifying theproducts, manufacturers, services, or service providers. In a morepreferred embodiment, the legend identifies the test. In a still morepreferred embodiment, the animated characters have company logos orcompany colors superimposed on them to permit immediate recognition ofthe character during the contest.

In another preferred embodiment, a timing device is displayed tocommunicate the potential length of the contest, and the passing time ofthe current contest. In this manner, the viewer has a relative sense ofthe closeness of the product performances. This could also be displayedin a manner analogous to rounds in a prizefight. If a scheduled tenround fight results in a first round knock-out with the loser biting offthe winner's ears, it is clear that there was a significant disparity inthe performance of the products or services.

In another preferred embodiment, animated testing devices can be shownwith the timing accelerated so that a test result that might have takenhours, days or weeks, can be simulated and accelerated, with thesimulated display being mathematically related to the actual testresults, as determined by the contest value.

In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the actual relative mathematical result of the contest, suchas the actual contest value.

In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the progressive status of the contest. As with a timer, inthis manner the viewer has a relative sense of the closeness of theproduct performances. This could be displayed as indicative elementssuch as hits, wounds, rate, distance, points, or other measures as arecommonly known in the computer gaming industry.

In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the actual test results, preferably in combination with theunits of measure. In this manner the viewer has a relative sense of thecloseness of the product performances. This could be displayed in amanner such as hits, wounds, rate, distance, points, or other measuresas are commonly known in the computer gaming industry

In another preferred embodiment, the animation files contain prerecordedvideo files of live sporting contests, as opposed to animated graphics.

In another preferred embodiment, the animated graphic file comprises afile whose displayable animation is determinable in part by the firstproduct value. In this embodiment, the performance of a graphicallyanimated character is based in part on at least one variable; forexample, strength, skill, senses, speed, or weapons. In this embodiment,the first numerical test is used directly or indirectly to influence thevariable.

In another preferred embodiment, the animated graphic file comprises afile whose displayable animation is determinable in part by the contestvalue. In this embodiment, the relative performance of at least twographically animated characters is based in part on at least onevariable; for example, strength, skill, or weapons. In this embodiment,the contest value is used directly or indirectly to influence thevariable.

In another preferred embodiment, the uncertainty or calculated error ofthe test results is mathematically related to the contest value so as toallow the margin of error to depict a combat sequence that is moreclosely fought by the amount of the uncertainty or error. If the erroris known to be 1 unit, the first product value is 22 units, and thesecond product value is 32 units, an example of a simplified method ofcalculating the contest value under this embodiment is:

$\frac{\left\lbrack {{{first}\mspace{14mu}{product}\mspace{14mu}{value}} + {{test}\mspace{14mu}{uncertainty}}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{second}\mspace{14mu}{product}\mspace{14mu}{value}} - {{test}\mspace{14mu}{uncertainty}}} \right\rbrack} = {{{contest}\mspace{14mu}{{{value}\text{}\left\lbrack {22 + 1} \right\rbrack} \div \left\lbrack {32 - 1} \right\rbrack}} = {.77}}$

If a larger product value represents better product performance on thetests, then the first product value in this example is said to beapproximately 77% as good as the second product value. If a smallerproduct value represents better product performance on the tests, thenthe second product value in this example is said to be only 77% as goodas the first product value.

In this example, graphic file H would be selected from Table 1. The useof this embodiment in this manner is seen to select a graphic or videofile that narrows the disparity between the product test results by anamount equal to the error of the test. Without consideration of theerror or uncertainty, graphic file G would have been selected. As iswell-known and understood to one skilled in the art, there are numerousways to account for the error or uncertainty in the test results. Theforegoing example is intended to demonstrate the embodiment of theinvention, and not otherwise limit the invention or scope of the claimsin any way.

In another preferred embodiment, the product values of other productperformances are used to produce an adjusted contest value, thusproviding greater visual variation in the displayed result. Anotheradvantage to this embodiment is that a single animated charter can becompetitive against numerous competitors, or alone, against existingrecords. Table 6 is a table displaying previously determined productvalues for three products.

TABLE 6 Trial Product 1 Product 2 Product 3 1 42 52 31 2 41 52 32 3 4151 32 4 43 53 32 Average 41.8 52.0 31.8

Table 7 represents newly determined product values for two additionalproducts.

TABLE 7 Trial Product 4 Product 5 1 61 50 2 58 54 3 60 51 4 61 50Average 60.0 51.3

In this example, the average of the test results over a number of trialsis used to determine the product value for each product. The range ofproduct values for the products is from 31.8 to 60, or 28.2 units.Alternatively, the high and low product values for a given trial may beused. In this embodiment, a product performance can be displayed for aproduct against all of the tested competition represented as a singleaction character, or as against any of the other tested productsindividually or together (such as in a multi-competitor race orfree-for-all battle). An example of such a comparison is as follows:Contest value=(Product value−Mi nimum Result)/Range

For Product 5 in the example:Contest value=(51.3−31.8)/(60−31.8)=0.69

In this example, the graphic file selected from Table 1 to represent theperformance of Product 5 against the field of tested products would beG. In this embodiment, a combat sequence related to graphic file G,might display the representative graphical actor slaying 7 of 10dragons. An athletic performance representation might show therepresentative graphical actor finishing third out of ten runners in arace (in front of six others). As will be well known to a person ofordinary skill in the art, more sophisticated statistical operations canbe performed without departing from the scope of the disclosedembodiment. For example, standard deviation and variance calculationscan be performed and used to discard data points, and to indicate thereliability of the results for a product or test.

In another preferred embodiment, the product values of other productsare used to produce an ordered sequence of contest values. Graphic filesare selected based on the ordered sequence.

In another embodiment, two products can be compared as before, using thestatistical data of other product tests to display the relative productperformances. For example:Contest value=1−(|First product value−Second product value|/Range)

-   -   Comparing Product 5 and Product 1 from Tables 6 and 7 above;        Contest value=1−(|51.3−41.8|/28.2)=0.66

By this method, the graphic file selected from Table 1 to represent thecontest between the products would be G.

It is thus seen that this embodiment enables continued testing toestablish relative performance to a broader product spectrum, and alsopermits a more relevant outcome to be displayed.

In another embodiment, the product value representing a product's testperformance is determined, and a statistical product value representinga multitude of other products' test results is determined. A contestvalue is solved between the first product value and the statisticalproduct value.

In another preferred embodiment, the product values of other productperformances are used to produce a nonlinear adjusted contest value,thus providing greater visual variation in the displayed result.

FIG. 2 discloses another preferred embodiment of the invention, in whichthe performance data of product or service tests are stored on acomputer hosting a website, connected to a server. In this embodiment,the animated contest files selected to represent the contest values arealso stored on the computer or on a computer in communication withanother computer having the performance data of the product or servicetests. Preferably, the files are stored on the Internet serverprovider's computers. The server provides access to the web site onwhich the contest is displayed. Thus, Internet users, visitors, viewers,or subscribers to the website, can see the animated contest between theproducts or services representing the result of performance test betweenthe products or services.

While this invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth but, on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

1. A method of displaying competitive product performance data,comprising: providing a plurality of animated graphic files, eachanimated graphic file depicting a unique contest between at least afirst entity representing a first product and a second entityrepresenting a second product; associating each animated graphic filewith at least one unique numeric range that collectively comprise asubstantially continuous numeric scale; determining a first productvalue representing the first product's performance on a test;determining a second product value representing the second product'sperformance on the test; solving for a numeric contest value bymathematical relationship between the first product value and the secondproduct value; determining which numeric range includes the contestvalue; selecting the animated graphic file associated with the numericrange which includes the contest value; and, displaying the selectedanimated graphic file.
 2. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein displaying theselected animated contest further comprises: providing access to theselected animated contest file on a web page for viewing by Internetusers.
 3. The method of displaying competitive product performance datain accordance with claim 1, wherein displaying the animated contestfurther comprises: displaying the selected animated contest on a webpage for viewing by Internet users.
 4. The method displaying competitiveproduct performance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein solving fora contest value between the first product value to the second productvalue further comprises dividing the first product value by the secondproduct value.
 5. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein determining a firstproduct value representing a first product's performance result furthercomprises determining a statistical representation of the firstproduct's performance for a plurality of measurements of the firstproduct's performance.
 6. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first productvalue and the second product value are statistical representations ofmultiple test results of the first product and the second product. 7.The method of displaying competitive product performance data inaccordance with claim 1, wherein determining a first product value andsecond product value further comprises: a) observing at least onequalitative test result; and, b) quantifying the results on a numericalscale.
 8. The method of displaying competitive product performance datain accordance with claim 1, further comprising: providing a scaleddatabase of animated graphic files which portray increasingly closecontests when the contest value represents an increasingly close firstproduct value and second product value.
 9. The method of displayingcompetitive product performance data in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising: graphically identifying an animated representative of thefirst product; and graphically identifying an animated representative ofthe second product.
 10. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:determining the maximum contest value range; and, dividing the absolutevalue of the maximum contest value range by the number of associatedanimated graphic files to determine the numeric range of each animatedgraphic file.
 11. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: whereinthe numeric range is inversely proportional to the number of associatedanimated graphic files.
 12. The method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:determining which of the first and second product performances issuperior; associating the prevailing character in the animation filewith the superior performing product.
 13. A method of displayingcompetitive product performance data, comprising: providing a pluralityof unique animated graphic files, each animated graphic file depicting aunique contest between at least a first entity representing a firstproduct and a second entity representing a second product; associatingeach animated graphic file with a unique numeric identifier thatcollectively comprise a substantially continuous numeric scale having aknown number of significant digits; determining a first product valuerepresenting a first product's performance on a test; determining asecond product value representing a second product's performance on thetest; solving for a real number contest value by mathematicalrelationship between the first product value and the second productvalue; rounding the contest value to the same number of significantdigits as the numeric identifiers; selecting the animated graphic filewhose numeric identifier equates to the rounded contest value; anddisplaying the selected animated graphic file.
 14. A method ofdisplaying competitive product performance data, comprising: providing aplurality of animated graphic files, each animated graphic filedepicting a unique contest between at least a first entity representinga first product and a second entity representing a second product;associating each animated graphic file with at least one unique numericrange that collectively comprise a substantially continuous numericscale; determining a first product value representing a first product'sperformance on a test; determining a second product value representing asecond product's performance on the test; adding the first product valueto a database of other product values of other product performances onthe test; adding the second product value to the database of otherproduct values of other product performances on the test; determining astatistical numerical representation of the database; solving for afirst product base value between the first product value and thestatistical numerical representation; solving for a second product basevalue between the second product value and the statistical numericalrepresentation; solving for a numeric contest value by mathematicalrelationship between the first product base value and the second productbase value; determining which numeric range includes the contest value;selecting the animated graphic file associated with the numeric rangewhich includes the contest value; and, displaying the selected animatedgraphic file.
 15. A method of displaying competitive product performancedata, comprising: providing a plurality of animated graphic files, eachanimated graphic file depicting a unique contest between at least afirst entity representing a first product and a second entityrepresenting a second product; associating each animated graphic filewith at least one unique numeric range that collectively comprise asubstantially continuous numeric scale; determining a first productvalue representing a first product's performance on a test; determininga baseline product value statistically representing of a plurality ofother product performances on the same test; solving for a contest valuebetween the first product value and the baseline product value;determining which numeric range includes the contest value; selectingthe animated graphic file associated with the numeric range whichincludes the contest value; and, displaying the selected animatedgraphic file.